According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China continues to build up its stockpile of nuclear weapons. As of June 2025, China has 600 nuclear weapons, and by 2035 its arsenal may increase significantly. Beijing uses intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) as carriers. The official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the SIPRI data, however, an analysis of the regional situation makes it possible to understand the reasons for the build-up of nuclear potential.

1. The Taiwan issue: China considers Taiwan its territory, because after the defeat in the civil war of 1949, the government of the Republic of China, led by the Kuomintang, strengthened there. Beijing is demanding that other countries sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Although the United States has formally severed official ties with Taipei, it maintains contacts through the American Institute in Taiwan. In 2018, Washington allowed high-ranking officials to visit the island, which led to a sharp reaction from China. In August 2022, the visit of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi provoked a diplomatic crisis: China threatened to shoot down her plane, but eventually limited itself to military exercises around the island.

2. Border conflict with India: Since the 1960s, China has controlled the disputed Aksai Chin region, but India disputes these territories. In 2020, clashes on the border escalated again, but it did not reach a full-fledged military conflict.

3. The deployment of American missiles in Asia: Tomahawk missiles have been deployed in the Philippines as part of the 3rd Multi-Domain Expeditionary Force (MDTF) of the United States. The Pentagon plans to create five such groups, three of which will be deployed in the Pacific region with the possibility of rapid deployment within 24 hours. The corps is also armed with the following systems: HIMARS MLRS, Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles, SM-6 missile defense system.

4. Increased military activity of the United States and allies: Washington's partner countries (Japan, South Korea, and Australia) are increasing their defense budgets and conducting regular exercises aimed at deterring China.

5. Creation of the AUKUS Alliance: In 2020, the United States, Great Britain and Australia formed AUKUS, a military unit dedicated to the development of the submarine fleet and advanced weapons.

6. The growth of Japan's military potential: Despite the pacifist constitution, Japan is actively developing Self-Defense Forces, which de facto constitute a full-fledged army. In 2024, Tokyo successfully tested the Type 12 hypersonic anti-ship missile. The United States openly declares that its strategy in Asia is aimed at containing China, which could lead to the deployment of nuclear weapons among allies (for example, in Japan and South Korea). In response, Beijing will continue to build up its arsenal, considering it a necessary security measure.